What Are Skydomes?
Skydomes are a cutting-edge feature in the world of cruise ships, developed by Navim to revolutionize the passenger experience. These sliding glass roofs, typically found above swimming pools, dining areas, or atriums, offer the unique ability to let passengers enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the weather. Depending on the conditions, these roofs open and close automatically, providing fresh air and unobstructed views when the weather is good, while protecting passengers when conditions worsen.
While the term “Magrodome” was historically used to describe these structures, Navim has embraced the term Skydome since the 1990s. This term reflects the core idea behind the innovation: allowing passengers to see the sky through a transparent, dome-shaped roof.
The primary goal of Skydomes is to create versatile, weatherproof spaces aboard cruise ships while offering an immersive experience of the sky. These marine glass dome technologies are designed to be fully retractable, allowing them to open or close depending on the weather.
When the skies are clear and the weather is ideal, the Skydome can be fully or partially opened to create an open-air atmosphere with a fresh breeze and panoramic views. When conditions change, the roof can be quickly closed to provide shelter and comfort. This ensures the space can be used year-round, regardless of external weather conditions, making it a key feature of modern cruise ship roof technologies.
How Skydomes Work: Mechanism and Operation
The operation of Skydomes is powered by advanced engineering and a sophisticated mechanism that ensures smooth, reliable functionality. Navim uses high-quality electric motors that drive gears to move the glass panels with precision.
The advantages of this technology include:
– Precision: Electric motors allow fine control over the speed and positioning of the roof panels, ensuring seamless operation.
– Energy Efficiency: Compared to hydraulic systems, electric motors offer greater energy efficiency.
– Low Maintenance: Electric systems require less maintenance, ensuring long-term reliability and lower operational costs.
– Quiet Operation: The motors are designed for quiet performance, maintaining a peaceful experience for passengers.
This blend of cruise ship glass roof technology ensures that every Skydome is both functional and reliable, with minimal environmental impact.
Materials and Design of Skydomes
Skydomes are crafted using materials that combine durability, weather resistance, and aesthetic appeal. The key material is laminated shatterproof glass, a safety feature that consists of multiple layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, providing resistance to impact and reducing noise. Additionally, this glass blocks harmful UV rays while letting in ample natural light, ensuring a bright, airy atmosphere inside.
The frame structure is made from high-quality stainless steel or aluminum, which are lightweight and resistant to corrosion in a marine environment. These materials are critical in ensuring the durability of the Skydome, especially given the stresses associated with the retracting mechanism and the weight of the glass.
Skydome Milestones: From Innovation to Industry Standard
Since the first Skydome was introduced in 1992 aboard Holland America Line’s Statendam Class ships (Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, and Veendam), Navim has led the way in advancing cruise ship roof technology. These innovations have helped define the cruise experience, with Skydomes now being a standard feature on many of the world’s most iconic ships.
To date, Navim has designed and built Skydomes for 84 cruise ships, and these cutting-edge technologies continue to shape passenger experiences. As cruise ships continue to grow in size and sophistication, Navim’s designs remain at the forefront of marine architecture. Looking ahead, seven additional ships with the latest Skydome advancements are planned for delivery between 2026 and 2027, ensuring that these innovations will continue to provide luxury, comfort, and breathtaking views.
For a complete list of ships featuring Navim’s Skydome technology, and upcoming projects, visit our References.
Sustainability: Innovation for the Future
At Navim, sustainability is at the heart of our innovations. The materials used in Skydomes are not only durable and high-performance but also environmentally conscious. By utilizing energy-efficient electric motors, we reduce the overall environmental impact of cruise ships. The Skydome’s ability to provide natural lighting helps reduce reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to energy savings.
Moreover, the longevity of the materials used in Skydome construction, coupled with their minimal maintenance requirements, ensures that our technology remains sustainable and reduces the need for frequent replacements. By designing with longevity and efficiency in mind, Navim is committed to developing solutions that align with a greener, more sustainable future for the cruise industry.